Adolescence can be both an exciting and a challenging time for children. The World Health Organization defines adolescence as a transitional period that children experience between the ages of 10 and 19. The physical changes and challenges of adolescence are widely recognized, but mental health can also be challenged during this pivotal period in a young person’s life.

It’s easy to mistake signs of mental health issues among adolescents as normal struggles that tend to affect all children at this point in their lives. However, the WHO reports that one in seven adolescents across the globe experiences a mental disorder, which is why it’s so important that parents do not quickly dismiss signs of struggle as a normal part of adolescent life. Recognition of signs suggesting adolescents are struggling with mental health issues can increase the chances that kids get the help they need.

Behavioral disorders

The WHO reports that behavioral disorders, which include attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and conduct disorder, are more common among younger adolescents than kids nearing the end of this period in their lives. Kids who have difficulty paying attention, are excessively active, and act without regard to consequences might be dealing with a behavioral disorder. Conduct disorder may lead children to exhibit destructive or challenging behaviors that compromise their ability to fulfill their academic potential. Conduct disorder can also increase a child’s risk of engaging in criminal behavior.

Eating disorders

The WHO notes girls are more commonly affected by eating disorders than boys. These conditions, which include anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, tend to emerge during adolescence and are marked by abnormal eating patterns. Adolescents may exhibit an abnormal preoccupation with food and be particularly concerned about their body weight and body shape. The WHO reports eating disorders often co-exist alongside other mental health disorders, including anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and even suicide.

Psychosis

Conditions marked by symptoms of psychosis, which can include hallucinations or delusions, tend to emerge in late adolescence or early adulthood. Participation in activities typical of daily life, such as school, is impaired by conditions indicative of psychosis.

Risk-taking behaviors

Some adolescents struggling with mental health turn to risk-taking behaviors in an effort to cope with their emotional challenges. The WHO reports that young people are especially vulnerable to substance abuse when confronting mental health challenges during adolescence. Some adolescents also look to risky sexual behavior as a means of coping with mental health issues during adolescence.

Various mental health issues can arise during adolescence. Parents are urged to be vigilant and to observe their children’s behavior during this pivotal period in their lives.